Photo Flash: The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey Presents THE RAINMAKER

The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey continues its 57th season, entitled Incredible Journeys, with N. Richard Nash's The Rainmaker. Directed by Artistic Director Bonnie J. Monte, this compelling story of love and hope has captivated audiences since it hit the stage in 1954. Patrons can purchase tickets at the F.M. Kirby Shakespeare Theatre Box Office located at 36 Madison Avenue in Madison, by calling the Box Office at 973-408-5600 or by going online at www.ShakespeareNJ.org. Performances begin on July 31.

Set in the American West during a time of great drought, The Rainmaker is about a parched land desperate for rain, and the tough but lonely people who live there, thirsting for love. This is a play about yearning, family, hope, and the magic that sometimes pours down on us from the unlikeliest of sources. "This is one of my favorite American plays. It is filled with breathtaking moments and real characters whose story makes our hearts break and sing all in the short space of two hours' time. I am so eager to bring this exhilarating theatrical gift to our audience!" said Bonnie J. Monte.

The cast features newcomer Corey Sorenson as File and STNJ veterans Benjamin Eakeleyas Noah Curry, Isaac Hickox-Young as Jim Curry, Anthony Marble as Starbuck, Monette Magrath as Lizzie Curry, Nick Plakias as Sheriff Thomas, and Mark Elliot Wilson as H.C. Curry. Anthony Marble, playing the famous dreamer/con-man, Starbuck, received great acclaim last season for his performance in Sam Shepard's Buried Child. Isaac Hickox-Young played Charley in Charley's Aunt, also in 2018. Mark ElliotWilson returns to The Shakespeare Theatre's stage after a long hiatus to portray the sensitive patriarch of the Curry family, and Monette Magrath as Lizzie plays the lone and lonely daughter of the family. She appeared at STNJ last season in Blithe Spirit. Benjamin Eakeley, a familiar Broadway face, was also featured last year at STNJ as the ruthless Saturninus in Titus Andronicus.

The design team includes set design by Bonnie J. Monte; costume design by Hugh Hanson; lighting design by Matthew J. Weisgable; sound design by Steven L. Beckel. The Production Stage Manager is Becky Abramowitz.

Tickets for The Rainmaker begin at just $29 for preview performances and $49 for regular performances. The Theatre is proud to continue its 30 UNDER 30 program where patrons age 30 and under can purchase tickets for only $30 with a valid ID, subject to availability.

Photo Credit: Joe Guerin

Isaac Hickox-Young, Monette Magrath, Anthony Marble, Mark Elliot Wilson

Benjamin Eakeley, Isaac Hickox-Young, Mark Elliot Wilson, and Corey Sorenson

Anthony Marble, Monette Magrath, Isaac Hickox-Young

Anthony Marble, Monette Magrath

Monette Magrath, Benjamin Eakeley

Anthony Marble

Monette Magrath, Mark Elliot Wilson

Isaac Hickox-Young

Monette Magrath, Anthony Marble

Monette Magrath

Isaac Hickox-Young, Mark Elliot Wilson, Corey Sorenson

Benjamin Eakeley, Mark Elliot Wilson

Anthony Marble, Monette Magrath

Monette Magrath, Corey Sorenson

Anthony Marble, Monette Magrath

Corey Sorenson and Nick Plakias